Hello

The US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, and yet ranked last overall, compared to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.   It was shown to have the worst access, efficiency, equity and healthy lives among these nations (1).   Nearly 20% of Americans (40 million adults), can’t afford or access needed healthcare, according to a recent U.S. government report (2).   Despite these poor results, the CEOs of the 11 largest for-profit companies were rewarded with compensation packages totaling over 125 million, with higher end-of-year profits expected (3).   A system promoting such inequality cannot expect to continue with any significant progress.   While this system may generate a lot of “wealth” for those at the top, the true wealth of any nation should be measured by how it treats the least of its people, especially our sick and injured.   In this regard, our healthcare system is found sorely wanting.  

Inspired by the ever-insightful journalist, Chris Hedges, among others, my eyes have been opened to a world increasingly of illusion.  This often distracts us from the issues like poverty, injustice, violence and despair, lurking outside our self-created shadows.  Let's not trick ourselves: money and material possessions are increasingly meaningless.  It is service, encouragement, humility, dedication and personal sacrifice that are the cornerstones towards a more equitable future which indeed must occur to at least slow the growing despair in our impoverished neighborhoods. Over spring break, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  In Plattsburgh, NY I volunteer with the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity and the Interfaith food pantry.  Both are communities in continuous need of assistance.  My hope lies with those constantly involved in the betterment of these communities.  Mary Ellis, a Plattsburgh resident in her eighties, led a march in oppo

Today, Good Friday, I'm reminded of the importance of repentance and bearing good fruit in this world.  This is Only possible by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, the sole source of truth in the world.  This gets us into a necessary state of grace, needed for righteousness.  It's easy to pride oneself in their own works, however these alone do not save us.  Focusing on the world alone often breeds confusion.  Make God the primary focus and you'll be soundly directed at every turn.  In my repentance, I acknowledge all my sins, and strive to reduce them, yearning for the truth that is through our Christ.